take care

First Haiti. Now Chile & Western Europe?
All these natural disasters are just tragic.

If this isn't a wake up call to take better care with our Mother Nature... I don't know what is.

Powershift 2009

Think about what you were doing a year ago.

I was loading myself into a ISU van with 10 others for a 17 hour car ride to Washington DC for Powershift 2009. It was raining and I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

Powershift is 4 day summit put on by the Energy Action Coalition that gathers youth from around the country to sit in on panels, listen to speakers, attend workshops, visit a career fair, and most importantly - engage in lobbying; all focused on ending global warming and working towards a future of clean & sustainable energy.

I loved it. The panels and workshops were so varied that you could attend lectures that fit your specific interests. Most memorable for me was one on indigenous peoples and climate change (you know the old man from Babe? "That'll do Pig, that'll do", he was the speaker!). Aly and I also really enjoyed a panel on Gender equality, poverty, and the millennium development goals ... the summit is a wealth of information.

More than anything though, there was a powerful sense of change. Of hope. Of motivation. Of creativity. Thousands of youth came to DC for this event. Thousands of young people who came to learn. Who came to share ideas and goals. Thousands of young people gathered together to demand change from our government. To eliminate dirty energy and work towards a clean future.

The last day is spent lobbying with representatives and rallying on the Capital lawn. & then, I took part in my first mass civil disobedience. Although it wasn't directly affiliated with Powershift, the march was to protest the coal-fired power plant that powers most of Congress with dirty energy. It was wet/cold, but simply amazing. It was so beautiful and fun to be a part of something so passionate.

& I guess thats what me writing about this is all about. Sometimes I forget about the things I've done. Can you believe I had to dig in the depths of my brain to remember protesting? Only a year ago! But it happens all the time, I forget the things I've taken a part of, and the things that I, as a young individual can do and have done.

Heres to not forgetting about my voice nor my experiences. Heres to taking action into your own hands & the power of youth.

Somethings to chant today: "Clean Coal is a Dirty Lie" & "Ain't No Power Like the Power of the People and the Power of the People Don't Stop"

Photo Credit to Paul Nemeth, Thanks!

Think About It.

"wherever you are, be there"

Fighting Winter

In a journal entry from January 2006 I wrote, "a happy thought a day keeps the doctor away".

I then proceeded for the next few months to write down a daily happy thought. Sometimes it was a list of happy things; other days it was quotes from friends or favorite song lyrics. On a few occasions it was simply a word. I remember doing this because winter had gotten me down.

The next few years I relied on 'happy lists' to aid in the fight against winter blues. In fact, in 2007 on this very day February 18th, I loved: the library, warm winter days, soup, Blast From the Past, little reminders, highlighters, Burt's Bees, the Gap, masks, fountains, decorating, weird dreams, and late night showers.

For the last few years though, I haven't taken the time to reflect on the good things. In fact, it wasn't until Ms. Sarah suggested the idea of a 'happy list' I even remembered my many notebooks full of them. I'll give you two guesses as to what I've restarted ...

Yes, I'm reinstating the daily happy thought journal. Lately, I've been getting so wrapped up in the negative, I've left no space for anything positive. No more. No more. With just a few minutes of daily reflection - I am officially re-welcoming happy into my life. I hope you join me.

At first it may be forced, (gah, okay. I ate chocolate today - that was okayyy), but before you know it your lists will grow (8 hours of sleep, a smiling stranger, old songs on the radio, rain boots, the smell of vanilla, sighting of green leaves, etc). The goodness of life will become more evident. Then - one day - you won't need a list at all... you'll find that happiness is all around.

Something to do today: reflect on the good of your day.

Epic Thank You Card.

Iowa. You treat me so well, & all I can do is say THANK YOU!

Thanks to my Rwanda ladies, who remind me how small and fragile our world is. That a small group of woman can change the world. & it's okay to enjoy 3+ servings of Kenyan food in a single sitting.

Thanks to Mike and his roommates for always letting me barge in as number 5. Mikey, your shoulder saves me every time. & the microwavable burritos weren't that bad.

Thanks to my Alexandra's (Doffing and Jones) for always being on the same page as me.

Thanks to Sarah for the delicious meal and even better conversation. I have no idea where you get all your optimism and love for life- but it's contagious.

Thanks to IRIS and LSI co-workers/friends for reminding me of what I've done and believing in what is yet to come. Experiences within your walls have shaped me both professionally and personally in ways I can hardly comprehend. I've been so lucky, and catching up is always a blast.

Thanks to Thai Kitchen for heart shaped rice.

Thanks for Saturday night company. You kids are my family (meaning: I love you and you can't get rid of me). Your hugs and spirits will change the world.

Thanks to the brave and beautiful women who performed the Vagina Monologues. Each year the stories move me in a different way, but I am always inspired.

Oh, and Thanks to Mom and Dad for helping an unemployed daughter out by filling the Jetta with her beloved gas.

What a week can do for the soul. Life is beautiful.

Something to do today: call a friend.

LEROY IS --

This is my dad. Sometimes he climbs trees.

Today is his birthday.

He reminds me allllll the time that I've seen more of the world than he has. But I'll let you in on a little secret -- he just might know more about getting around in it than I.

Love you Dad! Happy Birthday and many thanks for always being my optimist.

Heres to many more adventures and creations. xoxo

Something Old

Do you ever just need some inspiration?

I sure do.

Normally my mind goes like this: inspiration = new.

How could I possibly find a fresh idea in something I've already experienced? Then starts the seeking out of new art exhibits, books, parks, clothes, places to travel ...

This week though, I've found my inspiration in the comforts of old (and been loving it).

The streets, restaurants, and overall culture of Ames and Des Moines have reminded me of the beauty in the known. & at the same time, the beauty in the unknown - for it's important to remember that there was a day when I knew not a soul nor street in this state.

A simple re-evaluation of past internships, travels, and jobs has increased my confidence, excitement, and worth which have all been slipping from my grasp for far too long.

Most importantly, I've discovered a new, refreshed, proactive sense of motivation after bottomless cups of coffee with good conversation and old friends.

& to think, I've had all these revelations in old clothes. :)

Something to do Today: Appreciate the things that are right under your nose.

IA

Field of Dreams says it best...

John Kinsella: Is this heaven?

Ray Kinsella: It's Iowa.
John Kinsella: Iowa? I could have sworn this was heaven.
Ray Kinsella: Is there a heaven?
John Kinsella: Oh yeah. It's the place where dreams come true.
Ray Kinsella: Maybe this is heaven.

Oh Iowa, I've missed you. It is going to be a good week.

Snow is Beautiful

... but I'm ready for springtime and an afternoon picnic.

No passport needed.

Storm House; Ames, IA Tower's Field

too

I'm much too scatter brained today. So I thought, "Lets go back to Australia"

Closed my eyes and opened my old journal to this,

6.02.07

"...I believe it is people like him (referring to Walt Gmelch, co-organizer of the trip from USF)

who really remind myself and others that life is life. And sometimes unexpected and tragic things do happen. So it is up to us to always remember that life is short and we have to do the things we want to do. We have to live too much. Travel too far. Love too fully.

Dinner was nice because you could see how many friendships have been made & how well everyone gets along. We said a lot of 'thank you' speeches and they all truly came from the heart..."

LSI

I have just learned that Lutheran Services in Iowa, Refugee Resettlement Cooperative of Des Moines is closing it's doors. The program will continue on for the next six months to ensure that the last refugee families are provided care until they are self sufficient.

My heart goes out to all the LSI staff, volunteers, and the Des Moines refugee community.

It was within your guiding hands that I found my true passion. I will never forget my time as an Intern with the program, and I am forever grateful for the amount of trust, support, and confidence you all had in me.

During my 320 hours of service I learned more than I ever imagined I could about: strength, carrying mattresses, culture, non-profits, sharing, refugee issues, patience, governmental systems, Des Moines, war, family, hard work, resettlement, fear, apartment hunting, courage, language (both verbal and non), volunteering, donating, the importance of humor and a smile, compassion, and love.

You have forever made an impact on me and the lives of thousands around the greater Des Moines area. May the future be bright for all those impacted by this loss.

To read their statement go here

TV and Caffeine

Things I've been trying to cut back on: negativity, TV, worrying, sleeping too late, and caffeine (the hardest and most commonly failed).

It's not even noon and I've already failed TV.

& while most commercials get little to no attention from moi... one did. It was for Pepsi's Refresh Project. I did some more research and it's really neat. Basically, Pepsi is giving away millions of dollars monthly to individuals, business, and non-profits who want to/are making a positive impact on their community; within the categories of Health, Art & Culture, Food & Shelter, The Planet, Neighborhoods, and Education. Anyone can submit an idea and anyone can vote!

I realize I'm always pumping out websites for people to check out... but take a minute to see what people around the country are trying to do for their communities!

RefreshEverything

My whole point is this: Find a Cause.

I personally put a lot of my energies into the issues of women, cultural awareness, and refugees. What do you feel passionate about? What changes in the world do you want to see. & what are you doing to make it happen?

Something to DO today: examine your passions.

that Pepsi commercial made me want some caffeine...

UNTIL THE VIOLENCE STOPS

February's here. Time to start talking vaginas.

Yes, yes, check it again, I said vaginas.

Now, as a lover of love, I LOOOOVE me my valentines day. Just what the depressing month of February needs; glittery hearts, secret admirers, romantic comedies, dark chocolate, and looooove in the air.

But for millions of women and girls worldwide, it is not love, but violence that consumes daily life.

Eve Ensler, the author of works such as The Vagina Monologues, The Good Body, and Insecure At Last, started the movement known as V-Day. The most common way to support V-Day is to attend a Vagina Monologues performance or Ensler film showing near you! Ames M-Shop, I'll be seeing you Friday, February 12th! (Cheering on my beautiful friends Kimmy and Christelle!)

I know it sounds scary. Really, I do. I was scared too, but after my first show in 2008 I went home and wrote this to my aunties, mommy, and friends:

"On Valentines Day, Megen and I went to the Vagina Monologues. ALL you females in the house- find a performance somewhere AND GO. Bring the men. Sounds scary- sounds too feminist or awkward - but it is fabulous. We laughed. We cried. We really did feel empowered and educated. We went home wanting to scream VAGINA! ... not. even. kidding. Really. GO! GO! GO!"

You will not find man haters, flaming bras, or tampons.

Instead, expect to sit in an atmosphere of love. Expect to hear stories of both confusion and understanding, of peace and violence. Expect to leave inspired. Expect to feel sexy and proud to be a woman (or a man who appreciates women). Expect to laugh, cry, and go, mmmhmmm. & if you're in Ames, expect chocolate vaginas for sale.

Ticket proceeds are donated to local women's shelters/organizations and also support V-Day's spotlight area. 2010's spotlight is the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where rape, forced prostitution, kidnapping, and other gender-based horrors are a daily threat to women and girls. This Valentines season, don't forget about the women and girls around the world who need our dire help. Take time during this dreary month to learn more about the V-Day movement because us Vagina Warriors aren't going anywhere "Until the Violence Stops".

(read more about V-Day from: www.vday.org where you can also find more information on Eve Ensler, her mission, ways to participate, and your nearest V-Day performance)

V-day's mission:

V-Day is an organized response against violence toward women.

V-Day is a vision: We see a world where women live safely and freely.

V-Day is a demand: Rape, incest, battery, genital mutilation and sexual slavery must end now.

V-Day is a spirit: We believe women should spend their lives creating and thriving rather than surviving or recovering from terrible atrocities.

V-Day is a catalyst: By raising money and consciousness, it will unify and strengthen existing anti-violence efforts. Triggering far-reaching awareness, it will lay the groundwork for new educational, protective, and legislative endeavors throughout the world.

V-Day is a process: We will work as long as it takes. We will not stop until the violence stops.

V-Day is a day. We proclaim Valentine's Day as V-Day, to celebrate women and end the violence.

V-Day is a fierce, wild, unstoppable movement and community. Join us!